Final chance to get that last minute forgotten gift! You may find it with the other books by MacCallum Hall. A real bargain at $1.00 each. Try your luck!
Merry Christmas!
Inreach Circle Communication
We continue to make visits and connect with those from Chalmers who need extra care. About 30 cookie plates were delivered with a Christmas Card this month. Inreach will organize the lunch at the next congregational meeting, scheduled for January 25. If you know of anyone who could use a pastoral care visit, please let us know.
Connections Circle Notes
All the best to you and your families in this Advent Season!
This week the Connections Circle covered a number of topics. Our most important conversation was with the report from the Transition Circle after the Discernment Retreat Session on Nov 29. There is a lot of follow-up required in order to inform us all on our potential futures. Please carefully read the attached report from the Circle. And please consider what roles you can play in helping the team get the answers we need. It could be as an expert opinion for specific issues or it could be part of team investigating all the
options. The next Transition Circle meeting is January 6 – please consider joining to find out what is needed.
Other topics covered a discussion on developing the 2026 budget. We are trying to identify items that are certain and also to identify the different possibilities for the next year. Each circle will have to think about the possible directions. Also, the Operations Circle will be putting forward (through the Property Committee) a proposal to the congregation about decommissioning our current ancient (by current standards) sprinkler system in our church. Stay tuned for more details and a congregational meeting tentatively
planned for January 25. Lastly the circle approved a raise in salary for our long serving Office Administrator Carol Sleeth. She has been working faithfully for us for since 2008 and deserves recognition for all the work she does and the benefits she has provided this
congregation.
Please stay tuned to all the Circle notes for exciting things that are coming in the New Year.
Part-time Employment Opportunity
Chalmers United Church, 212 Barrie Street in Kingston is looking for a part-time caretaker for custodial and property maintenance for 10-14 hours per week.
While janitorial experience will be an asset, on the job training will be available; the candidate must be physically able to perform the required tasks.
The caretaker must possess a high degree of self direction and must be able to identify and resolve problems proactively.
The candidate must be service-oriented, enjoy working with people and interact well with all users of the buildings.
They must be available to work Sundays, holidays and specific days to meet the needs of building usage (minimum work stint 3 hours).
Educational Qualifications: Secondary School education or equivalent experience.
A more detailed job description can be found on the Chalmers United Church website.
Rate of Pay: $20-22.50 per hour according to qualifications, plus benefits or equivalent pay.
Criminal background check required. If interested, please respond to office@chalmersunitedchurch.com.
Cookies!
The Annual Cookie Sale is back for another year!
Cookie plates will be on sale on Sunday Dec 14 after church – 2 dozen for $15. Smaller plates will also be available.
Please contact Linda
Extra cookies are always welcome too!
Shaping Chalmers Future Together Discernment Retreat *updated*
** For a more detailed summary see the 2 page attachment. There is also an 11 page document that contains even more details about the Discernment Retreat. If you would like a copy of this, please email the office or Elizabeth and we can send you it. We will also have a few printed copies available on Sunday. **
At our November 29 gathering, the congregation gathered to discern next steps for Chalmers’ future. After thoughtful dialogue using Restorative Practice principles, participants considered various options including disbanding, expanding rentals, forming partnerships, and other possibilities.
The group reached consensus to move forward by exploring two key directions:
• Expanding our rental activities to increase revenue
• Developing partnerships, including potential collaboration with The Spire and conversations with other United Churches.
The United Property Resource Corporation is available to help us explore these possibilities. The Transition Circle will investigate these options further, consulting with experts on charitable tax implications and rental opportunities. They will report back to the congregation by Easter with their findings. Connections will be looking at expanding the Transition Circle as we explore the possibilities.
All present affirmed their support for this exploratory approach, trusting in the Spirit’s guidance as we discern the faithful path forward for our community.
WHERE TO TURN FOR ASSISTANCE
Download the complete document: Where to Turn
WHERE TO TURN FOR ASSISTANCE
IN KINGSTON & SURROUNDING AREA
UPDATED: DEC. 12, 2025
Hours of service may change.
Pls call us with update and we will incorporate them.
CHALMERS UNITED CHURCH
212 Barrie St, Kingston, ON, K7L 5E3
www.chalmersunitedchurch.com
email: office@chalmersunitedchurch.com
tel: 613-546-3263 ext. 222
FREE MEALS / GROCERY CARDS AVAILABLE DAILY IN THE COMMUNITY
Bread of Life Club at Salvation Army
613-541-3947 183 Weller Ave, Kingston
Jan – June and Sept – Nov:
Last 5 days of the month 4 – 5:30pm
✓ Free hot meal
Chalmers United Church and
Queen’s University Good Times Diner
613-546-3263 x221 212 Barrie St Kingston
Sun & Wed 4:30-5:30pm Good Time Diner
✓ Mid-Sept to mid-April
✓ Free meals for students
HIV/AIDS HARS Regional Services
613-545-3698 844A Princess St.
Tues & Fri light snacks, coffee/tea 9-11:30am
✓ Good Food Market Stand (fruits,
veggies, salads, bread
✓ Tues -Thurs Breakfasts 9-10:30am
✓ Pet Food Assistance
Kingston Alliance Church
613-546-2143 540 Palace Rd
✓ 10:30 – 11:30 am light snack
✓ Mon 11:30am – 1pm Free lunch
✓ clothing Store House of Hope
Kingston Peers of the Round Table
613-549-4964 60 Queen St.
✓ Mon – Sat 12pm Lunch
✓ Sign up by 11:15 am
Kingston Street Mission
613-449-0916 Open at 218 Concession St
✓ Kingston.Street.Mission@gmail.com
✓ kingstonstreetmission.webs.com
✓ Meals are seasonal Nov. to March 31st
✓ open at 8 pm Sun through Fri. Stop
serving around 10:15pm.
✓ guests must be 16 years or older
Lunch by George, St. George’s Cathedral
613-548-4617 ext. 30 129 Wellington St
(at Johnson)
Mon – Fri at 11:45am
✓ Free hot lunch take-out only
Martha’s Table Dining Room
613-546-0320 629 Princess St
Mon – Fri Breakfast and Lunch – limited seating
9-11am breakfast and 12-2pm lunch – indoors
✓ Food and friendship
✓ or 12-2pm and Sat & Sun 12 -2pm take
out lunch only at back window
✓ Door to door delivery – mid day if you
qualify by pre-arrangement Mon-Fri.
call: 343-580-1519 to arrange
Senior’s Association
613-548-7810 56 Frances St.
✓ open M-F 8:30-4:30
✓ take out meals $45 for 5, call to order or
in-person, restaurant & café dine in or
take out, Membership fee $50/yr.
✓ geared for 50+ but adults 18+ welcome
St. Vincent de Paul Society,
Loretta Hospitality & Meal Program
613-766-8432 595 Bagot St, Kingston
✓ Mon – Fri 10am – 1pm
✓ Dine-in
Seventh Day Adventist Church
613-548-7765 66 Wright Cres, Basement
Sept – Dec, Feb – Jun: Tue 4 – 5pm
✓ Free hot vegetarian meal
Sydenham Street United Church
613-542-9616 82 Sydenham St
Tues 10:30 – 11:30 am $30 annually
✓ Food vouchers 1 time per year
No references required.
Westbrook United Church
613-389-3883 3526 Princess St Westbrook
✓ Lunches 2nd & 4thThurs 11am-1pm,
closed July & August
FOOD BANKS/GROCERIES
AMS Food Bank – Queen’s University
✓ 207 Stuart St in the Rideau Building
Room 105. Please enter through the
door on the right side of the building
when looking at it from the street.
✓ Bring your valid student card with the
school year sticker on the back.
✓ Mon to Wed and Fri 5pm-6:30pm,
Thurs hours 11am-12:30pm.
Central South Frontenac Community
Services Corporation
613-376-6477 or 1-800-763-9610
4295 Stagecoach Rd. Box 43 Sydenham
Web: www.sfcsc.ca Email: info@sfcsc.sa
✓ Mon – Fri 8:30am – 4:30pm
✓ Covers S. Frontenac and Rural
Kingston North of 401
✓ Adult day programs
✓ Food services (food bank, meals on
wheels)
✓ Financial Assistance, food security,
transportation needs
✓ Senior’s programming and services
✓ Home visiting
Chalmers United Church
613-546-3263 x 221
212 Barrie St
Benevolent Program Tuesdays 10 – 12pm
✓ Grocery Cards
Community & Family Services
613-548-4411 press 0 342 Patrick St.
• Housing Resource Centre – Day
Services
✓ Mon – Fri 9am – 4pm drop in
(closed 12-1 for lunch)
✓ Come to seek out various
resources
✓ Shower and laundry available
✓ Housing and Diversion workers,
to help people not on ODSP or
OW
✓ Utilities assistance
✓ Drop in
▪ Food Choice Pantry
✓ Mon & Wed & Fri 1 – 4pm, by
Appt.
✓ Appointments needed as well as
ID, income/expense statements
needed
✓ Christmas hamper baskets
Crossroads United Church
613-542-9305
✓ Grocery cards only, third Wed 8am
Kingston Community Health
– Good Food Box Program
613-530-2239 63 Weller Ave.
✓ Various locations, purchase fresh
produce at wholesale prices.
How to order:
✓ Place order online and choose
location at:
www.goodfoodboxkingston.com
✓ Order by 2nd Thurs each month
✓ Or in-person at:
✓ Kingston Community Health Centres
M-F 8:30am-4pm or
✓ Loyalist Community Sharing Centre
Mon – Fri 9am-4pm
Pick up at one of the following host sites:
• Kingston Community Health
Centres
613-530-2239
263 Weller Ave, Kingston
Pick up: 3rd Thurs, 1-4pm
• South Frontenac Community
Services
(Sydenham) 613-376-6477
4295 Stagecoach Rd,
S. Frontenac
Pick up: 3rd Thurs, 12pm-4pm
• N. Frontenac Food Bank,
Sharbot Lake
613-279-3151 1020 Elizabeth St
Mon-Fri 8:30am-12, 1-4pm
Referral Req’d Pick up Tues & Fri
• Kingston Military Family
Resource Centre
613-541-5010 ext 519532 Lundy’s
Lane, Kingston
Pick up 3rd Thurs, 12pm-4pm
• Loyalist Community Sharing
Centre
613-389-4546 177 Upper Park Rd
Amherstview
Pick up: 3rd Thurs, 12-3, 6-8pm
• Napanee Salvation Army
613-354-7633 81 Dairy Ave
Pick up 3rd Thurs, 1pm-4pm
Community Pet Food Sharing (CPFS)
(Trellis/HARS) 613-545-3698
844A Princess St.
✓ Offers pet food assistance
✓ Breakfast Tues, Wed, Thurs 9-
10:30am
✓ Drop-in Tues & Fridays 9-1130am
This document continues with additional sections on shelters, clothing programs,
housing resources, medical services, counselling, employment services, and more.
For the complete 23-page guide, please refer to the original document.
Food & Meals in Kingston
Food & Meals in Kingston – LOCATIONS ALPHABETICALLY
Chalmers United Church
212 Barrie St. – Church House 613-546-3263 ext. 221
✓ Tuesdays 10 – 12pm (closed during July)
For grocery cards and other resources
✓ 5:30 – 6pm Sundays & Wednesdays (with Queen’s Good
Time Diner) free take-out meals & sandwiches for students
Crossroads Church
690 Sir John A. MacDonald Blvd. 613-542-9305
✓ offers grocery cards
✓ warm meal served at 5pm on the fourth Saturday a month,
doors open at 4:30pm
HIV/AIDS Regional Services
844A Princess St. 613-545-3698
✓ Tues, Wed, Thursdays take-out breakfast 9 – 10:30am
Kingston Alliance Church
Bath Rd & Palace Rd 613-546-2143
✓ (two sittings) Mon 10 – 12 pm and 12 – 2 pm
Lunch by George, George’s Cathedral
129 Wellington St (at Johnson) Mon – Fri 613-548-4617 ext. 30
✓ Take out lunch only 11 – 11:45am lunch
Martha’s Table
629 Princess St Mon – Fri 613-546-0320
✓ 9 – 11am Breakfast – indoors
✓ 12 – 2pm Free hot Meal indoors or take-Out
from service window rear of facility
✓ call 343-580-1519 for meal delivery
✓ Sat and Sun 12 – 2pm take-out only
Partners in Food Bank
140 Hickson Ave 613-544-4100
✓ To get assistance call Mon. to Thurs. 8:30am – 4:30pm and
Fri. 8:30am – 4pm (closed daily 12pm-1pm) to schedule an
appointment. Appts. cannot be booked via email or social
media platforms. Closed evenings, weekends and holidays.
PEERS of the Round Table
60 Queen St. 613-549-4964
✓ 12pm Lunch (until the food runs out) Mon to Sat
Rustle St. Church
65 Russel St. 613-767-1397
✓ 1 – 2:30pm Soup only on Sundays. Pls use side door.
Salvation Army Bread of Life Club
183 Weller Ave. 613-541-3947
✓ call for food hampers/pantry
Senior’s Association
56 Frances St. 613-548-7810
✓ Open: Mon – Fri. 8:30-4:30
5 frozen meals – $45 a week, delivered
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
130 Clergy St East Gill Church Hall, Clergy Entry 613-546-6316
✓ Meal Programs have ceased
St. Vincent de Paul Society, Loretta Hospitality Centre
595 Bagot St 613-766-8432
Open: Mon – Fri from 10am – 1pm
✓ Dine – in
✓ emergency pantry
Seventh Day Adventist Church
66 Wright Cres, Basement 613-548-7765
✓ Sep – Dec, Feb – Jun: Tue 4 – 5pm (doors open at 3:30pm)
free hot vegetarian meal
Sydenham Street United Church
82 Sydenham St. 613-542-9616
✓ Tues 10:30 – 11:30am
food vouchers, 1 time per year; no references required
Free Daily Meals in Kingston – DAY BY DAY
Monday
• 9 – 11:30 am St. George’s Cathedral
• 9 – 11 am breakfast Martha’s Table – indoors
• 10 – 1 St. Vincent de Paul
• 10 – 12 Kingston Alliance
• 12 – 2 (indoors or take out) Martha’s Table
• 3:30 – 5 pm Martha’s Table
Tuesday
• 9 – 10:30 breakfast HIV/AIDS HARS
• 9 – 11 am breakfast Martha’s Table – indoors
• 11 – 11:45 am lunch St. George’s Cathedral
• 10 – 1 St. Vincent de Paul
• 12 – 2 (indoors or take out) Martha’s Table
• 4 – 5 Seventh Day Adventist
• 3:30 – 5 pm Martha’s Table
Wednesday
• 9 – 10:30 breakfast HIV/AIDS HARS
• 9 – 11 am breakfast Martha’s Table – indoors
• 9 – 11:30 St. George’s
• 10 – 1 St. Vincent de Paul
• 12 – 2 (indoors or take out) Martha’s Table
• 3:30 – 5 pm Martha’s Table
Thursday
• 9 – 10:30 breakfast HIV/AIDS HARS
• 9 – 11 am breakfast Martha’s Table – indoors
• 9 – 11:30 St. George’s
• 10 – 1 St. Vincent de Paul
• 12 – 2 (indoors or take out) Martha’s Table
• 3:30 – 5 pm Martha’s Table
Friday
• 9 – 11:30 St. George’s
• 9 – 11 am breakfast Martha’s Table – indoors
• 10 – 1 St. Vincent de Paul
• 12 – 2 (indoors or take out) Martha’s Table
Saturday
• 12 – 2 Martha’s Table – take out
• 12 PEERS
Sunday
• 12 – 2 Martha’s Table – take out
• 1 – 2:30 Rustle St. Church
Suggest you may wish to call first to confirm
if there’s been a change in days and times.
as of Nov 24, 2025
Chalmers United Church
212 Barrie St Kingston ON K7K 3K3
Tel: 613 546 3263 ext 222
Donation to the Benevolent Program welcomed.
Please call us with any changes to services and we will
happily update the list. Thanks.
Coat Drive
Coat Drive
St Mary’s Parish Centre – 260 Brock St at Clergy St.
Nov. 17 to Dec. 23, 2025 and Dec. 27, 28, 29, 2025 & Jan. 2 – 16, 2026
Coat Drop Off: Mon – Fri 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Coat Pick Up: Mon – Fri 1:15 – 3:20 pm As long as coats are available.
Ring the doorbell on Brock St side and ask to speak to a volunteer.
For more info contact: 613-546-5521
KINGSTON COMMUNITYCHRISTMAS MEALS 2025
Chalmers United Church wishes you all the Very Best for Christmas.
Our Tues. program will be closed from Dec 22, 2025, reopening Tues. Jan. 13, 2026
For revisions, please call Chalmers United Church 613 546 3263 ext 221 or 222 – as of Nov. 26, 2025
Kingston Alliance Church
590 Palace Rd. 613-546-2143
Mon. Dec. 15 – Storehouse of Hope from 11:30am to 1pm
Martha’s Table
629 Princess St. 613-546-0320 Closed Dec 25, 26 and Jan 1
Christmas Turkey Dinner Tues. Dec. 23 from 1 pm -4 pm Dine-in or take-out!
For take out, go to take out window at the back of building.
Wed. Dec 24 Christmas Eve Brunch from 9-12:30pm Dine-in only. No pre-sign up required.
St. Vincent de Paul Hospitality Centre
85A Stephen St. 613-766-8432 9am-1pm Closed Dec 24 to Jan 1, incl.
Christmas dinner is on Tuesday, Dec. 23 from 10 am – 1 pm
Take-out lunch Mon-Fri. from 10-1pm.
Salvation Army Rideau Heights
183 Weller Ave, 613-541-3947 Call 613-547-4151 to register.
Sat. Dec. 13 from 3 – 5:30 pm, inside, no take-out, no pre-registration needed
Online Christmas hamper applications have closed for this year.
To place an order call 613-507-4151 between 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday
St. George’s Cathedral/Lunch by George
129 Wellington St. 613-548-4617 ext. 30 Closed Dec 20 to Jan. 4
Christmas Dinner Thurs. Dec. 18 from 11:30am – 12:30pm plus gift bags.
St. James Anglican Church
10 Union St. 613-548-7254
Student Dinner Dec. 9 from 5 to 7pm
St. Luke’s Anglican Church
236 Nelson St. 613-542-5501
Christmas Dinner from 1:30am – 12:30pm plus gift bags.
Saint Mary’s Cathedral Parish Centre
260 Brock St at Clergy St 613-546-5521 ext. 3
Wed. Dec. 25 from 12 – 2pm with full turkey dinner and live music!
St. Paul’s Anglican Church
137 Queen St. 613-542-5870
Christmas Dinner Dec. 23 from 10am to 1pm
Tommy’s
377 Princess St. 613-766-6585
To sign up for a Christmas hamper (delivered Dec 23 or 24) OR a pre-ordered cooked meal use the Link on Tommy’s Facebook page to register. Link is now active and will remain up until Dec. 6, unless the quota is reached of 500 hampers and 1,000 meals. Texting is also an option: 613-449-4619 with your name, address, phone number and buzz code number if applicable.
Partners in Mission Food Bank: Closed 4pm Dec 22, ‘25 to 9am Jan 2, ‘26.